Uncharted Japan Active Adventure Tour | Japan Adventures

Mountain huts to the village of living water, uncover Japan's hidden gems

Shiratage Shrine, the site of a large torii gate in Lake Biwa

Traditional wooden houses line the Nakasendo Way

Shiratage Shrine, the site of a large torii gate in Lake Biwa

Traditional wooden houses line the Nakasendo Way

NEW Trip 2023Manaslu Circuit & Base Camp TrekView Trip Details

11 Days$4490USD

View Inclusions

Activities

2 days hike

Accommodation

7 nights hotel
1 night traditional ryokan
2 nights mountain hut

Meals

5 Dinners
4 Lunches
10 Breakfasts

Introductory

Trip highlights

Unearth the best of Japan's hidden gems.
Hike among the spectacular scenery of the Yastugatake Mountains
Discover Harie, the Village of Living Water
Visit a farm & a cook traditional lunch with your hosts near Lake Biwa
Explore the traditional funayas (boathouses) of Ine Village
Venture away from the main sites to see another side of Tokyo
Explore and experience beautiful Kyoto

This well rounded journey is the ideal way to discover Japan. Beginning in the vibrant city of Tokyo, undertake a tour of the backstreets and gain insights into this incredible country. Making our way to Natsuzawakosen (2060m) we enjoy a relaxing onsen and the beautiful mountain scenery. We have a full day hiking among the spectacular scenery of Mount Iodake and descend to Narai Juku and walk around this historic, picture perfect area. From here we'll travel by train to Samegai-juku, and enjoy time along the river. Next we head off on a cycle tour in Biwako before exploring a small village by foot, which boasts crystal clear water springs called "kabata". Next we make our way to Amanohashidate to take in the magnificent views and then on to Ine Village, a quaint fishing village known for its wooden houses. This incredible trip finishes with time to explore the fascinating sites of Kyoto. This is an ideal travel experience in captivating Japan, with plenty of activity, scenery and Japanese culture.

Itinerary

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Day 1
Arrive Tokyo, Japan

On arrival you will need to make your own way to the group hotel. We will have an important group meeting, so please check with reception for the exact time and location. Following the meeting your guide will take you on an orientation walk and we will enjoy a welcome dinner. Tokyo is a hive of activity, with a mind-boggling range of shops, restaurants and businesses that make it one of the world’s most energetic cities. Overnight: Sunroute Asakusa or similar

Meals: D

Day 2
Backstreets of Tokyo

After breakfast we head off to explore a small part of this incredible city on a Tokyo backstreet tour. Some sights we will take in include: Asagaya, Roppongi~Azabu, Akihabara~Ochanomizu, Togoshiginza, Kawagoe and Yotsuya. Overnight: Sunroute Asakusa or similar

Meals: B

Day 3
Yatsugatake Mountains Hike

This morning after breakfast we will have our JR Passes validated. Your luggage will be transferred to Narai. It is an early morning as we travel to Chino by train (3 hours). We will take a bus from Chino to Sakuradaira gate. Lunch is enjoyed at Natsuzawakosen (2,060 elevation) and we will take a hike up to Iodake (2760m, approx 4 hours). Dinner this evening is at a Mountain hut. Overnight: Natsuzawakosen mountain hut (multi-share)

Meals: B,L,D

Day 4
Yatsugatake Mountains Hike

Today is a hiking day. First we will hike up and down Mt. Higashi tengu (2640m, approx. 5 hours). This is a scenic hike and we will delight in the views and dense forests. Next we will hike up and down Mt. Yoko (2830m) and descend to Natsuzawakosen (2060m). This evening we enjoy local vegetables in a dinner at a Mountain Hut (onsen). Hiking: (5-6 hours/ 10 km) Overnight: Iodake mountain hut (multi-share)

Meals: B,L,D

Day 5
Narai-Shuku

Our morning begins with a bus journey to Chino. From here we take a train to Narai (1h). In Narai shuku we will go on a walking tour. Narai-shuku is a hidden jewel of traditional Japanese architecture. This evening we enjoy a traditional Ryokan dinner. Overnight: Minshuku Kato or similar

Meals: B,D

Day 6
Samegai-Shuku

Our luggage will be transferred to Biwako today. Our travels today take us to Samegai-shuku by train (approx. 4 hrs). Here we undertake a ‘Samegai’ Walking tour along the river. Next we journey by train to Omi imazu (1.5h). This evening is a Kaiseki dinner, which is a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner, at a hotel. Overnight: Imazu Sun Bridge Hotel or similar

Meals: B,D

Day 7
Harie, The Village of Living Water & Farm Visit

This morning we will be transferred to the village of Harie. In Harie we will go on a walking tour accompanied by a local guide. Here the people developed "kabata" - a room where fresh water flows, which was an ingenious way of providing themselves with clean water. Next we are transferred to the Hata village. Here will will visit a Farmer’s home and lunch with a local guide. Following this we will delight in a Japanese obanzai making experience with local farmer. "Obanzai" is traditional home-style cooking (normally with at least half of the ingredients being locally produced). From here we will go on a walking tour at the rice terraces in Hata. Overnight: Imazu Sun Bridge Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L

Day 8
Amanohashidate

Your luggage will be transferred to Kyoto today. We will travel to Amanohashidate by bus and train (4 hours) to enjoy this scenic coastal area and famous natural land bridge. We will also take a bus to Kasamatsu park for it's scenic vantage point as it is an ideal spot to view Amanohashidate, a famous viewpoint in Japan. Overnight: Amanohashidate Auberge or similar

Meals: B

Day 9
Funayas of Ine Village

This morning we will take a bus to Ine (1 hour). In Ine we will go on a cruise (approx. 30 mins) and enjoy a local seafood lunch at Funaya. We will travel to Kyoto by bus and train (4 hours). (Note that our JR Passes expire today.) Overnight: WBF Kyoto or similar

Meals: B,L

Day 10
Explore Kyoto

With temples and teahouses, shrines and geisha, Kyoto is Japan’s cultural heart. From the end of the Nara Period (794) Kyoto has functioned as the crossroads of Japanese history. Kyoto, which was Japan’s capital for more than 1000 years, is a veritable open air museum. All over the city you can find countless shrines, temples, palaces and other historical sites which are best discovered by foot. Our day begins with a walking tour of Kyoto. We will visit the Nishiki market and have a Gion District Guided Tour. The famous Geisha district of Gion, originally developed in the Middle Ages, in front of Yasaka Shrine. The district was built to accommodate the needs of travellers and visitors to the shrine. It eventually evolved to become one of the most exclusive and well-known geisha districts in all of Japan. This evening is our farewell dinner. Overnight: WBF Kyoto or similar

Meals: B

Day 11
In Kyoto, trip concludes

Today after breakfast, the trip concludes. Your guide will instruct on on the easiest way to reach the airport if you are departing today, or assist with any onward travel in Japan. Should you wish to extend your stay in Japan, please ask your World Expeditions' Adventure Travel Consultant for accommodation options.

Meals: B

Inclusions

What's included

12 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 10 dinners
Comfortable accommodation on twin share basis
Expert bilingual guide
Sightseeing and entry fees as listed in itinerary
Public and private group transportation
Medical kit

What's not included

International airfare, visa and travel insurance (compulsory)
Meals and beverages not indicated in the program
Items of a personal nature such as laundry, phone calls, alcohol etc
Arrival and departure transfers

Accommodation

Tokyo Accommodation

In the cities we use modern, centrally located 3 star hotels. A typical hotel we frequently use in Tokyo is the Sunroute Asakusa as pictured. This hotel is close to Asakusa, one of Tokyo's most famous tourist spots, a very convenient location for you to visit areas such as Sensoji, Kaminari-mon, Kappabashi street and so on. Also Tokyo Skytree is one station away from Tobu-Asakusa Station and there are also many excellent eating options in the surrounding area. Offering simple but comfortable rooms, with free wi-fi and excellent service, this hotel is an ideal base for your exploration of Tokyo.

Osaka Accommodation

In Osaka we use the Shin Osaka Esaka Tokyu REI Hotel. Just a minute’s walk from Esaka Subway Station exits 4 & 9. This is a modern, centrally located property with comfortable, simply furnished rooms offering western en-suite bathroom, free Wi-Fi, tea & coffee facilities, satellite TV and a restaurant offering a buffet breakfast. Umeda Station is just a 9 minute walk and from nearby Esaka Station, Shin-Osaka Shinkansen Station is a 4min subway ride. Tarumi Shrine is a 20min walk and Osaka Itami Airport is a 15min drive. The area also offers many great eateries within easy walking distance.

Traditional Ryokan Accommodation

In the countryside we stay in atmospheric, family-run inns, with comfortable western-style hotels in the major cities. The Japanese “ryokan” is such a delicate environment, with compact spaces and displayed heirlooms, that for the first encounter something of a bull-in-a-china-shop feeling is inevitable - especially in the entrance as shoes are put on and removed. But this reaction normalises as we and the innkeepers get used to each others ways. Traditional-style accommodation means sleeping on “futon” bedding laid out on tatami floors.

Traditional Ryokan Accommodation

Departure dates

Notes

DN1

Effective from 9/9/22, the Japan Visa and entry requirements have changed due to Covid health regulations and the visa application process is constantly evolving. We will be able to update you on the current conditions approximately 3 months before departure date. Our dedicated team are on hand to assist you with your planning.

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Priceper person from

$4490USD

Options & Supplements*

Uncharted Japan - Single Supplement (except D3 & D4)USD$680

*Prices listed are per person

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Uncharted Japan trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.